§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he intends to establish business centres offering easy access to business advice and support.
§ Mr. RedwoodYes. I intend early next year to publish a prospectus inviting public and private sector organisations to make proposals for the formation of business centres. These will provide single points of access to advice and guidance for businesses and will have strong business leadership. I will approve a centre only if it reduces the overlap which currently exists. I will expect high-quality standards. They will provide services themselves, but will also be required to recognise the very substantial contribution that accountants, solicitors and others in the private sector make to the growth of local firms. The prospectus will be a challenge. I want to see imaginative responses.